You are currently viewing our boards as a guest which gives you limited access to view most discussions and our other features. By joining our free community you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free so please, join our community today!

If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact contact us.

ALSFor support and discussion of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also referred to as "Lou Gehrig's Disease." In memory of BobbyB.

As most of you know, I have had ALS for about three years now. I am really fortunate though because I still have the use of my legs. You all know this is very unusual for this cruel disease so I appreciate every day that I have this mobility. As you can see here I am with my son Vernon last year and recently standing on my beautiful deck where I love sitting in the morning watching the birds while I drink my coffee. Our deck is like a cool shady treehouse with lots of bright red Geraniums and other wonderful potted plants. Our tree shades the deck with a large canopy of rich green and we recently purchased some new feeders that are quite entertaining with the large variety of birds (and squirrels) that live here. Every day is a blessing. We now even have an RV especially equipped for me so I can get out and see the world a little.

I am also very excited to announce another blessing! I have chosen to travel to Belize, Central America to experience the potential wonders of the stem cell treatment at Eden Laboratories. I was so inspired by our online friend Jerry (www.stemcellman.com) and his miraculous results that it was an easy decision. My dear children Vernon, Lisa and Mary Jane will be accompanying me on this 'Path of Promise' if you will - a true journey to Eden. I'll have photos of us all to post very soon. My trip begins next week on August 8th and I am as excited as a my little grandchildren Rose, Lilly and Dixon at Christmastime!

I will post my experiences as much as possible throughout this time. Please comment back to me often and keep me in your prayers - as I will for you too. Much love and faith.

We very recently realized my father was also able to get free medication through the Veteran's Affairs because he is low income (and a veteran)...something he hadn't even considered orginally. Cost may vary dependent on income.http://www.va.gov/healtheligibility/...dicareDFAQ.asp

Stannah is a market leader in the manufacture of stair lifts and is one of the few that make a genuine wheelchair stair lift. However, buying and installing one for a wheelchair user is far from easy. In fact, most homes are not suitable for this type of lift. So, first you must find out if your home is suitable.

A wheelchair stair lift differs greatly from a conventional model. But first, let's get one thing clear; we're talking about inclined wheelchair stair lifts. This type travels up and down stairs - unlike vertical wheelchair lifts that resemble an elevator.

A regular stair lift consists of a chair that moves along a track. The track is always mounted on the stair tread and not on the wall. An inclined wheelchair stair lift consists of a platform that moves along a track. Because of size and weight considerations, the track is always mounted on the wall. Also, the platform of a wheelchair unit is considerably larger than the seat of a conventional model therefore the stairway must be wide.

So before even looking at a Stannah wheelchair stair lift you must first satisfy two conditions; are your stairs wide enough to accommodate the width of your wheelchair and platform, and are your stairs against a load bearing wall. If the answer to either of these two questions is no then a wheelchair stair lift is not the answer to your problem.

Stannah currently offer two wheelchair stair lifts; the Stairiser SX for straight stairs and the Stairiser CR for curved or turned stairs.

Some of the key features you get with both of these models are;

1. Is easily operated using simple control by the user or companion.

2. The platform automatically folds away or in to position when required.

3. Barrier arms and platform lock down before the platform moves.

4. Sensors will immediately stop the stair lift when any obstruction is encountered.

5. The platform can be accessed either from the front or the side - the side flaps lock and secure the wheels when the platform moves.

Unlike some wheelchair stair lift companies, Stannah don't custom make the platform. This would be the best option, however you are offered a choice of four platform sizes; 750mm x 900mm, 810mm x 1050mm, 810mm x 1200mm and 810mm x 1250mm. So these platforms should accommodate just about all wheelchairs.

Installation can be surprisingly quick. A Stannah unit can be installed in as little as one day for straightforward situations; however you should expect the installation to take far longer than this if you have a curved stairway - sometimes many weeks.

The price of a wheelchair stair lift from Stannah - or from any other company - is going to be expensive. An onsite inspection is required before the cost can be given.

All in all, a wheelchair stair lift is not a viable for the vast majority of wheelchair users, which is a shame. However, if you're one of the lucky few then the Stannah wheelchair stair lift is one model should take a look at. But, as buying anything else, shop around and get the best one for your needs.

M.C. Mobility’s searchable wheelchair van database makes it easy to find the right accessible vehicle. Customers can choose from new and used vehicles, including Dodge, Buick, Toyota and Chevrolet vans, or they can search by color, type, or conversion, including Braun, Eldorado, IMS, Viewpoint and VMI conversions. M.C. Mobility’s easy to use website, friendly and knowledgeable customer service staff and nationwide delivery take the hassle out of buying wheelchair accessible vans.

“We know that our customers are very smart shoppers, so we wanted to give them a tool that would be informative and easy to use,” said Carmen Paterniti, owner of M.C. Mobility Systems. “Our website allows us to give our customers up-to-the-minute information about our inventory and what other options are available.”

While customers shop for wheelchair accessible vans, they can browse the M.C. Mobility site and view the big selection of mobility related products. Whether customers need vehicle ramps, lifts, power and turning auto seats, or wheelchair tie-downs, M.C. Mobility is the complete vehicle accessibility products resource. M.C. Mobility also invites customers to take a look at their specials and ask about extended warranties.

Established in 1985 by Mark DiRosa and Carmen Paterniti, M.C. Mobility Systems offers wheelchair vans for sale and wheelchair van rentals in the State of Ohio with stores in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Dayton. M.C. Mobility’s mission is to offer persons with disabilities the most innovative products available and to empower them to make informed wheelchair van rental and purchase decisions.

The material on this site is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatmentprovided by a qualified health care provider. Always consult your doctor before trying anything you read here.